Where Your Treasure Is..‪.‬ Simon Glazier and Bex Elder

In the third episode of this season on financial FAQs gleaned from the Internet, Bex picks Simon’s brain on the topics of Borrowing and Debt.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Bex starts off by asking Simon to explain what debt is [01:39] before going on to enquire about the possible impact of taking out a loan. [03:03]In response to a further question from Bex, Simon provides information about both ‘secured’ and ‘unsecured’ loans. [04:59]Simon discusses the evolving relationship between lenders and those who provide loans for them [11:41] and points out that some arrangements are riskier than others. [14:12] Bex talks about her own experience, as a small business owner, of dealing with clients who became indebted to her. [16:37]Simon provides some comments aimed at assisting individuals who are in danger of falling into significant debt [17:39], including an explanation of consolidation loans. [19:42] Bex highlights the emotional impact that can accompany being in debt [21:57], and Simon draws attention to the helpful advice and observations provided by Ben Clift of Christians Against Poverty in Bonus Episode 2 of Season 2. [22:32]Simon provides three top tips arising from this week’s discussion, including – for anyone who is grappling with significant debt – making mention of the support that is available through charities such as Citizens Advice and Christians Against Poverty. [24:41] The emphasis will change in the next episode of this season, when the focus will be on Investment, as a principle and in practice. [28:54]
Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.
This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the second episode of this season on financial FAQs gleaned from the Internet, Bex picks Simon’s brain on the topics of Credit Scores and Credit Cards.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Simon starts off by explaining what a credit score is [02:04] before going on to deal with related questions about the need for credit and credit scores, and how a credit score can be improved. [04:57]In response to a question from Bex, Simon describes the difference that a credit score can make to the terms of a loan. [11:57]Simon then goes on to outline how credit cards work [15:22] and the advantages and disadvantages that can be associated with using them. [17:11]Bex asks Simon to explain APR (Annual Percentage Rate) as it is mentioned frequently when credit card arrangements are being described. [23:41] His response prompts Bex to comment on the significant, negative impact of compound interest in this context. [25:42]Simon provides various pointers and suggestions for anyone wishing to take out a credit card. [26:40]Simon provides three top tips arising from this week’s discussion [29:24], including some comments about dealing with credit card debt in which he mentions a previous episode which may be of interest. [30:47]The focus of next week’s episode will be on debt and borrowing. [31:48]
Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.
This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the first episode of this season on financial FAQs gleaned from the Internet, Bex picks Simon’s brain on the topics of Inflation, Cost of Living & Recession.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Bex and Simon introduce this new season of the podcast by explaining that it is based on which questions about finance are asked most frequently on Google. [00:35]Bex asks Simon to start things off by providing some introductory comments about inflation and cost of living. [03:02]Bex delves deeper into the potential causes of inflation, asking why prices in the supermarket have gone up when people have had less money to spend. [08:19]Bex’s next query is to ask how the Bank of England’s interest rates tie in with inflation [12:09], which prompts Simon to explain how ‘a basket of goods’ is used to calculate the annual level of inflation [14:08] and how the Bank endeavours to use interest rates to keep inflation at desirable levels. [17:17]Simon draws attention to the difference between ‘deflation’ and ‘decreasing inflation’ [20:59] and goes on to explain why it is regarded as being beneficial for an economy to have a modest level of inflation on an ongoing basis. [21:45]Bex asks Simon to explain and comment on the term, ‘recession’, which has been used widely recently in connection with the cost of living crisis. [24:26]Simon provides three top tips arising from this week’s discussion. [27:37]Points mentioned in response to a question about the options available to people who are feeling overwhelmed by the cost of living include seeking professional help from charities that provide debt support, such as CAP (Christians Against Poverty) and Citizens Advice. It was also noted that this podcast’s Season 2 Bonus Episode on ‘Providing Support during the Cost of Living Crisis’ might be of interest. [30:35]The focus of next week’s episode will be on credit scores and credit cards. [34:09]
Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.
This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In this bonus episode, Simon and Bex talk faith and finance with Chuck Freeland, Lead Pastor of a multi-site church in Aberdeen / Aberdeenshire.
Some key points covered in this episode include the following:
Chuck introduces himself, explaining how he became a Christian and the steps that led him and his wife, Taryn, to become lead pastors of a multi-site church serving the North-East of Scotland. [01:51]In response to questions from Simon and Bex, Chuck reflects on his experience of endeavouring to ensure that the decisions that he makes – on a personal level and also on behalf of the church – are always in harmony with God’s will. [05:10] Simon asks Chuck to speak about how finance fits into his job description. [10:52]In light of the finance-related pressures that can be experienced by church leaders, Bex asks what members of a congregation can do to be supportive. [16:24]Chuck describes the kind of faith and finance journey that can happen as people become involved in a church. [18:54] Simon asks Chuck how he deals with the challenge of talking about money matters in a context in which individual financial circumstances can vary very significantly from person to person. [24:04]Chuck talks about how much he values the journey that he, Taryn and their children have experienced in connection with generosity and God’s provision. [26:10]At Simon’s request, Chuck provides a couple of summaries of how he tends to convey key biblical principles about money, wealth and possessions to a congregation. [28:35]Bex then invites Chuck to outline what it looks like when the principles being described are applied to the working environment of the church. [31:18]Prompted by Simon, Chuck goes on to comment on the challenges that can arise when trying to be financially prudent and realistic while at the same time making room for faith to play a significant role in decision-making. [33:41]Chuck concludes his comments by explaining why he thinks that the local church is worthy of strong consideration when Christians are thinking about their giving and the causes that they would like to support. [35:13]Simon rounds off the episode by talking about the benefits that can arise when faith and finance combine; he also invites listeners to get in touch with their comments, questions and suggestions. [36:49]
Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.
This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In this bonus episode, Simon and Bex talk faith and finance with Mark Whittington, Senior Lecturer in Accounting & Finance at Aberdeen University.
Some key points covered in this episode include the following:
*Mark introduces himself, explaining how he became a Christian and the steps that led him to follow a university career as an Accounting Academic. [01:30]
*In response to a query from Bex about his approach towards financial issues, Mark highlights the importance of asking good questions and being open to information and opinions from a wide range of sources and perspectives. [05:11]
Simon follows up by asking Mark whether we tend to be too ‘culturally narrow’ in our interpretation of faith and finance matters, which in turn leads to Bex recommending ‘Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible’ (by E Randolph Richards & Brandon J O'Brien) for anyone interested in delving further into that area. [09:40]
*Mark explains what he means by ‘financialization’ as a term to describe the way that money can be used as a universal form of measurement within society. [12:30]
*Simon comments that King David’s reliance on the size of his army, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 21.1-2, provides an interesting comparison with the way in which we can rely on money rather than on God and our relationship with Him. [15:44]
*Mark provides a couple of examples to illustrate how his own attitude to money as a measurement of success has changed over time. [16:55]
*Simon asks Mark to identify key questions [20:12] and principles [22:44] that he feels are significant regarding how we deal with money.
*With reference to the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12.16-21), Mark engineers a question of his own, asking Simon about how, in his professional role, he helps clients to strike a healthy balance in their relationship with money. [24:55]
*Mark mentions the temptations that were dangled before Jesus by the Devil (Luke 4.1-13) and then goes on to reflect on the importance of maintaining integrity on the journey that we each make in connection with our own finances. [31:16]
*Prompted by Bex, Simon explains that Season 7 of the ‘Where Your Treasure is…’ podcast will take as its starting point the challenge of trying to provide helpful, faith-related responses to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about financial matters on the Internet. [32:38]
Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.
This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the concluding episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points made in the final books of the Bible about wealth, possessions and our attitudes towards them.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Bex starts off by noting the prominence given to Moses in the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 11.24-28) as a result of his decision to place his faith in God rather than relying on the wealth and status to which he was entitled. [01:31]The focus then turns to the Book of James, starting off with his call to put belief into action and to ‘walk the walk’ as well as ‘talking the talk’, as illustrated by his words in chapter 2 verses 14-17. [05:48]James expands on the nature of ‘religion’ that is ‘pure and faultless (James 1.27) by stressing the importance of acting out of humility and without any selfish motivation (James 3.13-16). [09:34]James’s warning and strong words for ‘the rich’ (James 5.1-6) prompt Bex and Simon to reflect on the implications for us and for modern society as far as issues such as fair pay, fair trade and ethical shopping are concerned. [12:23]The final point that Simon highlights from the Book of James is the emphasis placed on adopting a God-focused attitude - ‘if it is the Lord’s will’ – as a crucial element of our decision-making processes (James 4.13-17). [16:28] Prompted by the words of 1 Peter 2.18-20, Bex asks Simon for his thoughts on how we should respond when we encounter unfairness in our lives. [18:17]In response to the warning about idols found in Revelation 9.20, Bex and Simon discuss the modern-day preoccupations that can replace God’s rightful place in our lives. [21:55]Simon draws attention to the fact that our attitude to money has been a key theme throughout this podcast season and that it is no surprise, therefore, that the final book of the Bible includes statements designed to turn around our perception of riches and wealth (Revelation 2.9 and 3.17). [24:30]The recurring theme of stewardship is also revisited and reinforced in a passage about the judgment of the dead (Revelation 20.11-12). [25:21]Season 7 of the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast is likely to return to matters relating to practical financial planning. In the meantime, listeners should watch out for a couple of bonus episodes that will be coming up soon. [27:55]
Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.
This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.